Potential mechanism of acupuncture on overeating and the significance in preventing and treating adiposity-based chronic disease: A new perspective based on the addiction model

Overeating is a risk factor and a management challenge in adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD). Acupuncture has shown high safety and reliable clinical evidence in addressing overeating, and it is the promising potential non-pharmacological intervention. However, the mechanism underlying its effects has not been sufficiently summarized. The addiction model offers a framework to elucidate the mechanism of this aberrant eating behavior and provides novel perspectives and breakthrough points for optimizing clinical acupuncture strategies in ABCD management. In the paper, through analyzing domestic and international relevant findings, the characteristics of overeating based on food addiction, the relationship between overeating and ABCD, and the potential effect mechanisms of acupuncture for FA have been reviewed and summarized. Including adaptive balance of transmitters and hormones, functional networks, periphery-central connection, and cross-system interaction. In future studies, the maturely-developed addiction research methods should be adopted to deepen the exploration on the mechanism of acupuncture effect, addiction medicine should be leveraged to shatter the cognitive barriers surrounding acupuncture's role in mind-body regulation for ABCD treatment, and the prevention and treatment of overeating via acupuncture should be organically integrated into multidisciplinary management strategies.